Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I answered this on several occasions. The Deputy appears to have a continuing fixation about it. A review was undertaken to see how we might provide this service most effectively. It is being provided at a lesser cost on a continuous basis as a result of the need to be mindful of expenditure in this or any other Departmental area at this time. Individual Ministers also have their own communication service. The public interacts with agencies and bodies and non-governmental organisations. A whole range of people engage daily with Departments on an ongoing basis. That service must be provided in the public interest of providing accurate information and ensuring people have a service to deal with their inquiries.

On a number of occasions, I referred to various replies I have given on this matter. They confirm that, on review, the present arrangements are the most cost effective and it would not be possible to provide the service in any other way.

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